LVA-LOW VISION AID

The most common types of low vision include:

• Loss of central vision: There is a blind spot in the center of one’s vision.
• Loss of peripheral (side) vision: The inability to see anything to either side, above, or below eye level. Central vision, however, remains intact.
• Night blindness: The inability to see in poorly lit areas such as theaters, as well as outside at night.
• Blurred vision: Objects both near and far appear out of focus.
• Hazy vision: The entire field of vision appears to be covered with a film or glare.

• How is low vision diagnosed?

  An eye exam by your eye care specialist can diagnose low vision. You should make an appointment with your eye doctor if your vision difficulties are preventing you from daily activities like travel, cooking, work and school. The tests the eye doctor will perform include the use of lighting, magnifiers and special charts to help test visual acuity, depth perception and visual field.

• Can low vision be treated?

  Some sight disorders, like diabetic retinopathy, can be treated to restore or maintain vision. When this is not possible, low vision is permanent. However, many people with low vision find visual aids helpful. Popular low vision aids include:

  • Telescopic glasses.
  • Lenses that filter light.
  • Magnifying glasses.
  • Hand magnifiers.
  • Closed-circuit television.
  • Reading prisms.